GadgetLady's Frequently Asked Questions for Hidden Cameras
Surveillance Definitions
AGC (Automatic Gain Control) - an electronic system found in many types of devices. Its purpose is to control the gain of a system in order to maintain adequate performance over a range of input signal levels. As it applies to video, an electronic circuit that attempts to keep the video signal at a constant level. Useful on cameras working at low light levels.
AI (Auto Iris) - an electronic circuit that acts as an iris on CCD cameras by electronically shuttering the CCD sensor. An automatic method of varying the size of a lens opening in response to changes in scene illumination.
AWB (Auto White Balance) - an electronic process used in video cameras to retain true colors. It is performed electronically on the basis of a white object in the picture.
CCD (Charged Coupled Device) - a high resolution camera that functions well in low light. CCD cameras use more power than their CMOS counterparts.
CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) - a lower resolution camera compared to a CCD model. The advantage of a CMOS camera is that it uses lower operation current.
HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) - a type of CCD sensor with a layer designed to accumulate holes (in the electronic sense), thus reducing noise level.
S to N Ratio (Signal to Noise Ratio) - the ratio of the signal power and noise power, expressed in decibels (dB), or the measure of noise on a video signal. It is the level of the video signal compared to the level of noise present on that signal. The higher the signal to noise ratio the better.
BLC (Balance Light Control) - a method to compensate for bright spots in a picture. It is also important when considering whether there are bright spots in the picture such, as car headlights, which can make identification of a vehicle registration or model impossible. This can also be a major problem where it is necessary to identify a person who is moving from bright daylight into artificial light. This could result in the subject becoming an unidentifiable silhouette.
OSD (On Screen Display) - a method of displaying set-up information or instructions onto a display monitor.
Resolution - Resolution measures a camera's ability to reproduce an image. The higher the resolution, the better the picture quality.
LUX - LUX is the measurement of low light needed for a camera to view and record properly.
FPS (Frames Per Second) - the number of still frames (pictures) that give the illusion of motion, which appear in a single second of time.30fps is considered "Real Time". So for Real Time viewing of your cameras, you need at least 30fps for each camera.
IR (Infrared) - IR LEDS are used on Day/Night cameras, which allow a camera to see in the dark.
Focal Length - the distance from the surface of a lens and its focal point.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do hidden cameras work?
A small board camera is built into an everyday item. The camera can be wired which means it is connected to the DVR or VCR using a cable. The camera can also be wireless, in this case the camera transmits a signal to a receiver that is connected to the DVR or VCR.
Can I get audio in my hidden camera?
Unfortunately, no. According to United States federal laws, audio can not be used in a surreptitious manner. One example of surreptitious interception is audio in a hidden camera. This includes pinhole board cameras and all covert or hidden cameras; i.e., a clock radio. Audio in a hidden camera or board camera is only available to law enforcement agencies. Title 18, Section 2512.
What is the difference between a wired and a wireless camera?
Wired cameras have a video cable that runs from the camera to your recording or viewing device such as a DVR, VCR or monitor. Wireless cameras have a built-in transmitter that sends the video signal to a receiver. The receiver connects to your recording or viewing device.
How far can a wireless hidden camera transmit?
Standard wireless hidden cameras can transmit up to 1000 feet and high-powered wireless hidden cameras can transmit up to 2500 feet.
How many wireless cameras can you have in one location?
You can have up to four wireless cameras in one location. You can view all cameras at once using four receivers or you can use one receiver and switch to each camera. You will only be able to view one camera at a time if you only use one receiver. If you want to install multiple wireless cameras in one location it's best to order them at the same time so that we can put them on different channels.
Will a cordless phone interfere with wireless cameras?
Cordless phones that operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency will sometimes cause interference with 2.4 GHz cameras. Interference should be minimal and usually occurs if the phone is between the camera and receiver. Wireless Internet, networks and Wifi can cause interference too.
What is a Quad?
A Quad is used with a VCR or other single channel recording device that splits your monitor into 4 sections, allowing you to view 4 cameras at once.
What is a 2.4 GHz wireless frequency?
A frequency is used to transmit a signal or data, like video. 2.4GHz is the specific wireless frequency that our transmitters use to send a video signal to a receiver. All of our wireless cameras operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency. The operating range varies from 1000 feet to 2500 feet, depending on environmental conditions. All units are FCC approved.
Are the transmitters FCC approved?
The transmitters used in all of our wireless systems are FCC and Industry Canada Certified.
What is CCD?
CCD is a small silicon chip that receives light and turns it into voltage variations which make up an image. It's usually measured in inches with 1/3" CCD being the standard. CCD chips are used in professional cameras because of their high resolution quality, and their ability to record in low-light situations. They are higher priced but are great for cameras that may require vision in near darkness.
Will a Quad allow four cameras to record at the same time?
Yes, you can record all four cameras at the same time with a quad. You also can record using a switching monitor, which will record the camera that is showing at that moment.
Do the receivers work through walls?
Yes, the receiver will work through walls up to two feet thick, as long as there isn't an excessive amount of metal in the wall.
What is a Plug and Play connection camera?
It is an RCA Video plug and a power plug on the camera for easy connection to VCR or TV. This is done by running the RCA (Aux) line into the VIDEO IN of the VCR or TV. The TV or VCR must be set on the correct channel to view the VIDEO IN picture.
Do the plug and play connections require extra wire to run the signal back to the VCR or TV?
Yes, you need to obtain the length of cable you need. We offer the 25, 50, 100 and 150 feet lengths of cable.
What is the difference between a PC based DVR and an Embedded (stand alone) DVR?
A PC based DVR has all the functions of a computer. An embedded DVR functions only as a DVR.
How many hours will a DVR record?
The amount of time a DVR will record is based on the size of the DVR's hard drive, the number of cameras recording, and the number of frames per second the DVR is recording at. Our stand alone DVRs use 3.4GB per camera per day. A 4 camera system, using a stand alone DVR that has a 250GB hard drive, will record continuously for 18 days. An 8 camera system uing the same DVR will record for 9 days. A 16 camera system, using a stand alone DVR that has a 500GB hard drive, will record continuously for 9 days.
How many cameras can I connect to one TV?
You can connect as many cameras as your TV has inputs. Most TVs have 2 inputs, but when using a quad, you can connect four cameras.
How long will the camera last with a 9-volt battery?
A typical camera will last 5-8 hours.
Between what temperatures is it safe for cameras to operate in?
It is safe for black and white cameras to operate between -23°C to + 50°C, or -10ºF to +122ºF
It is safe for color cameras to operate between -23º C to +40ºC, or -10ºF to +104ºF
It is safe to store cameras between -30ºC to +70ºC, or -22ºF to +158ºF
What is the operating voltage of a camera?
Our cameras range from 9 volts (CMOS) to 12volts, and also 24 volt professional models.
What is a varifocal lens?
A varifocal lens is one where the focal length of the lens can be varied. This is a fancy way of saying it is a zoom lens. Most varifocal lenses have, and in almost all circumstances should have, an auto iris feature.
What is a fixed lens?
A fixed focal length lens cannot zoom. The focus is fixed. A fixed focal length lens usually allows more light to pass through the lens at a given focal length than a varifocal, or zoom lens. This can be important in low light situations.
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